Irrespective of Wigan Athletic’s ultimate fate, the club has to start some tentative preparations for the 2020/21 campaign. Whether the club are playing in the Championship or League One, certain players will not want to wait around for the decision in regards to the potential docking of points.

It’s tricky to make plans for an event that doesn’t yet have a potential start date but that’s what the club has to do to the best of its capabilities right now.

The Prognosis

Following Wigan’s 0-0 draw with Hull City on July 11th, the club settled in 15th place in the Championship table but clearly that doesn’t tell the full story. A 12-point deduction would put the Latics at the very bottom of the league and, from that position, survival would seem unlikely.

It’s for that reason that Wigan Athletic are second favourites to be relegated and the football betting markets are not exactly giving Paul Cook and his men any great encouragement. The outcome remains to be decided but what of the fate of the players and staff?

Man in Charge

The first man under the spotlight is manager Cook who has been in charge at the DW Stadium since 2017. A former Wigan player, Cook has brought success to the club in the shape of a League One title and an unforgettable FA Cup run. It’s fair to say that the majority of fans would want him to stay at the club but would he be happy to take a step back to the third tier once again?

Relegation, based on issues off the pitch, would be a bitter blow for Cook and his staff and loyalty would surely be tested. At the age of 53, he’s not exactly an up-and-coming manager but he carries the sort of pedigree that would interest many Championship outfits.

Playing Personnel

If Cook leaves, then some players may want to follow while others will also consider their future, irrespective of the manager’s decision. One Wigan player who may well be leaving the DW Stadium in the summer is Josh Windass who has impressed Sheffield Wednesday supporters during his loan stint at Hillsborough.

While he’s not always played as a recognised striker, Windass’ return of nine goals from 56 games for the Latics is a modest one. The player promised more after a productive spell at Rangers but the loan to the Owls was a justified one. While at Sheffield Wednesday, Windass has scored three times in his first six matches and it’s felt that the Yorkshire Club may well follow up their interest when the 2019/20 season finally comes to its conclusion.

Others who may be under the radar of other clubs include Kieffer Moore and Chey Dunkley. Moore is the Latics’ leading scorer while Dunkley has enjoyed an impressive campaign in defence and has added some important goals. There is much to follow in terms of Wigan’s plight but, despite the current uncertainty surrounding the club, certain plans have to be made.